John Sheppard: Missa Cantate

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Renaissance polyphony with John Sheppard's "Missa Cantate," a captivating journey through the sacred music of the 16th century. This album, recorded to celebrate The Tallis Scholars' 50th Anniversary, showcases Sheppard's exquisite six-voice Missa Cantate, a testament to the composer's mastery of vocal writing and his deep spiritual insight.

The album is not just a collection of tracks but a carefully curated exploration of Sheppard's choral works, featuring stunningly inventive examples of chant-based responsories, hymns, and votive antiphons. The Missa Cantate, with its exuberant and intricate polyphony, is the centerpiece of the album, highlighting the pioneering achievements of The Tallis Scholars.

In addition to the Missa Cantate, the album includes a variety of other works by Sheppard, such as the only votive antiphon on a festal scale, "Gaude virgo," and the hymn "Jesu salvator saeculi." These pieces, along with the Missa Cantate, demonstrate Sheppard's ability to create music that is both technically impressive and deeply moving.

The album was produced by Steve C Smith and Peter Phillips, with engineering by Philip Hobbs, and was recorded at the acoustically stunning Brinkburn Priory in the United Kingdom. The result is a recording that is both sonically rich and historically informed, providing a unique insight into the musical world of the Renaissance.

With a duration of 46 minutes, this album is a perfect introduction to the music of John Sheppard and a testament to the enduring power of Renaissance polyphony. Whether you are a seasoned fan of choral music or a newcomer to the genre, "Missa Cantate" is sure to captivate and inspire.